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Leg swelling (edema), causes and treatments

Although, there are potentially many reasons for leg swelling , it is important to note that most are not normal part of aging and, hence, need to be investigated.

Leg swelling can be caused by different reasons that may range from very serious to more benign and chronic causes. The more serious causes of leg swelling include heart failure and blood clot in the leg (Deep Venous Thrombosis).

The less serious causes also include many reasons like medications and arthritis or inflammation. However, the most interesting cause that is also very common but least understood by medical providers is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).

Leg edema caused by CVI is typically worse towards the end of the day, after prolonged standing or sitting. In advanced cases, the swelling may be constant and even interfering with moving around or walking.

Venous insufficiency is a progressive medical condition in which the valves that allow the blood to travel from the legs to the heart no longer function. This can cause blood to pool in the legs causing veins to swell. The incorrect blood flow (or reflux) causes the blood to seep into the tissues and cause swelling, pain and cramps in the legs.

Patients with chronic venous insufficiency(CVI) of lower extremities can often present with complaints of leg pain, fatigue or ache, cramps (Charley Horses), restless legs, and varicose or spider veins, in addition to the leg swelling . In more advanced cases, skin discoloration (Stasis Dermatitis) and skin hardening (fibrosis and panniculitis) as well as dreadful ulcerations(Venous Ulcers) may develop.

How is CVI diagnosed?

We will first get a thorough history and examine your legs. The confirmation of the diagnosis requires a specialized ultrasound of your legs that we will do in our Alpha Vein Clinic .

How is CVI treated?

Venous insufficiency is very nicely treatable through simple in-office and only minimally invasive procedures. Here at Alpha Vein Clinic we offer a few different methods to treat your Leg Swelling! They are performed under local anesthesia and are well covered by most insurance companies. Early treatment is crucial to prevent further complications. Since the valves in the legs cannot be repaired, the only alternative is to re-route the blood flow from the diseased veins to healthy veins. Traditionally, this has been done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome vein from your leg. The “Radio Frequency Ablation“, “The VenaSeal” and “Clarivein Occlusion” are now replacing the traditional painful vein stripping by simply closing the none-functioning vein. Once the diseased vein is closed, it remains harmless in the body and other healthier veins take over.